EastEnders confirms unexpected love for Shrimpy - and it's someone we all know
This article contains spoilers for tonight's epsiode of EastEnders, which airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One or can be streamed now on iPlayer.
Rejoice! Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) has received some significant character development, and this soaps reporter is absolutely living for it.
There's nothing I love more than championing the hard work of our favourite EastEnders who play a smaller role in the Walford community – they've been in the back of shots for decades, cementing the fictional world as a real place.
It's something the soap has done for the last four decades, from Winston and Big Ron (Ulric Browne and Ron Tarr) on the market, to Debbie (Tracey Chatterley) in the Minute Mart, they've kept the cogs turning while the main characters cause high drama each weeknight.
Imagine my delight when, last year, the GOAT – Tracey the barmaid (Jane Slaughter) – received her own digital spin-off series, introducing her son and wider family.
Now it was Shrimpy's turn to step into the spotlight, as he tried to woo one resident in today's instalment.
Market trader Shrimp arrived with his signature hats and mod haircut on Bridge Street in 2014, following the closure of the nearby Spring Lane equivalent.
It was here that he caught the attention of Donna Yates (Lisa Hammond), but their relationship didn't go any further.
He always gets involved in events, and was one of the lucky locals to meet the then Prince Charles and Camilla in 2022. We've also seen him be a keen piano player, and he recently performed at Martin Fowler's (James Bye) wake.
It was about time he found a love interest, and Elaine Knight's (Elaine Peacock) karaoke party was the perfect opportunity.
As we've seen this week, she only planned the bash to try and sabotage Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) Prince Albert bar relaunch. Unfortunately, it was a flop – and Elaine was clueless as to why.
Shrimpy took to the mic and belted out Van Morrison's 1989 romantic ballad Have I Told You Lately.
The person who he was serenading? Marie Evans (Liz Sweet) from the cafe!
Marie has held the fort at the eatery since 2000, and storylines over the years have included the birth of her son – with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) subsequently stealing her birthing video to put daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater) off having a child of her own.
We also know she's an animal lover… but that's about it.
But wedding bells could be ringing out across Albert Square soon, as she seemed very smitten with Shrimpy during his performance. Nursing a glass of red wine, she swayed backwards and forwards to the song as a bemused Linda and Johnny Carter (Kellie Bright and Charlie Suff) and Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison) watched on.
'Are they…?' asked Linda, with Elaine chirping: 'What Marie does in her own time is her business, but I'm concerned about the lack of our business.'
Later, as the pair cosied up together, Elaine and husband George (Colin Salmon) decided to gatecrash Cindy's re-opening, presenting her with a bottle of champers.
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When Cindy explained that the night would've been unachievable without George's financial support for agency staff, Elaine was furious. More Trending
She marched out, thinking it was the ultimate betrayal.
George was then forced to return to The Albert after closing to apologise for his wife's behaviour, clearly softening towards Cindy.
Elaine's fortunes hadn't changed, The Vic stayed empty as Patrick and Yolande Trueman (Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter) belted out Hot Chocolate's It Started with a Kiss.
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But what about Shrimpy and Marie? I sincerely hope this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship for them both.
If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we'd love to hear from you.
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MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as popular couple faces disaster on big day
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